To the editor,
As an observer of the changing social scene, I have observed some interesting logical inconsistencies over the years. A recent example is the brouhaha over Indiana’s new Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the fear that it might lead to discrimination against homosexuals. It seems that whenever the word “discrimination” pops up, it’s assumed to be describing something bad and hence, must always be opposed.
Yet, nobody seems to be bothered about discriminating against blind people by not allowing them to drive. Every one of us engages in discrimination every day. It’s virtually impossible to make almost any kind of decision without discriminating.
One student was quoted in The Lawrentian stating, “It’s not right to use religion as a justification to limit someone else’s freedom and happiness.” However, whose freedom is really being limited? If I choose not to participate in your wedding, how am I limiting your freedom? By forcing me to participate in your wedding, are you not violating my freedom?
That’s essentially what certain militant homosexuals are doing in various locations around America. They are taking bakers, florists and caterers to court, and trying to enlist the coercive powers of government to violate the religious freedom of those who choose not to participate in same-sex weddings. That is the very definition of tyranny.
Amazingly, there are people who drive around sporting bumper stickers exhorting us to “celebrate diversity” and to “coexist” who have no problem with discriminating against religious people. You would think that cognitive dissonance would cause their brains to explode, spewing grey matter all over the place. Instead, they seem to be totally oblivious to their own glaring hypocrisy.
When homosexuals use government to bludgeon into submission anyone who does not celebrate their lifestyle, they become the oppressors, not the victims. It leads me to recall a quote attributed to George Washington: “Government is not eloquence; it is not reason; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” Amen.
– Brian Farmer ’74